Urban Stage was founded in 2003 by professional actors Simeon Truby and Helen Kay. We offer students the opportunity to learn new skills and gain confidence through the performing arts. At Urban Stage the emphasis is on performance, with all students having the opportunity to work with and learn from highly experienced and dedicated professional performers. Our live theatre performances are not only entertaining for students and audiences, but are also an invaluable learning experience that helps greatly with confidence, creativity and team working skills. Classes are a mixture of acting, dancing, singing, improvisation and drama games. Students also learn other theatrical skills such as mime, stage combat, character study and vocal technique, then are given the opportunity to put these skills into practice through regular live performances. Working with like minded individuals in a theatrical environment is a fantastic way of breaking down barriers, gaining confidence, meeting new people and having a lot of fun in the process.
Principal
Trained: Guilford School of Acting
Professional Theatre:
Londons West End, Bolton Octagon, Theatre by the Lake, Oldham Coliseum, Royal Exchange, York Theatre Royal, West Yorkshire Playhouse, No 1 Tours
TV & Film:
Prey & Prey II, Hollyoaks, Lunch Monkeys, Emmerdale, Heartbeat, Doctors, Cold Feet, The Royal Today, Magnificent 7, Real Men, Shameless, The Syndicate
Principal
Trained: Welsh College of Music & Drama
Professional Theatre:
Londons West End, RSC, Royal National Theatre, Oldham Coliseum, Bolton Octagon, Royal Exchange, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Theatre by the Lake, Library Theatre, Salisbury Playhouse,
Birmingham Rep, New Vic Theatre, No 1 Tours
TV & Film:
Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Touch of Frost, The Street, The Royal, Island at War
Head of South Manchester
Trained: BA Honours in Drama and English at Hull
University and post graduate at LIPA
Professional Theatre:
Library Theatre, Ape Theatre Company, Manchester Actors Company, JB Shorts, Real Life Theatre Company, No 1 Tours
TV & Film:
Coronation Street, Doctors, Emmerdale, Being Eileen
Trained: Bristol Old Vic
Professional Theatre:
West Yorkshire Playhouse, Oldham Coliseum, Library Theatre, Bolton Octagon, Harrogate Theatre, Tobacco Factory, New Vic, Bristol Old Vic and Theatre By The Lake.
TV & Film:
Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Death By Home, A Quiet Night In, The Shadow of the Vampire
Trained: Man Met School of Acting
Professional Theatre:
Birmingham Rep, Unity Theatre, St Helens Royal, Soho Theatre, Oldham Coliseum, Maritime Museum, The Lowry Theatre, Demi Paradise Productions, Zion Arts Centre, The Library Theatre, The Lass O Gowrie, Contact Theatre
TV & Film:
Coronation Street, Ordinary Lies, Prey, The Syndicate
"Urban Stage means everything to us, it's like Hannah and Katies second family. Everyone is so close and supportive, both students and
staff!" - Andrea Brown (parent)
"Urban Stage provides a unique environment where children interact and grow in confidence whilst discovering the many wonders of the
performing arts" - Steve O’Riordan (parent)
"Urban Stage has given my son the confidence, support and inspiration to grow as an individual. He really enjoys performing and always looks
forward to the next project. I love watching the performances too and the students never fail to impress. An amazing school with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Thank you so much"
- Caroline Hart (parent)
"A friendly and professional environment created by the team at urban stage which has helped my child achieve goals, create confidence and
develop ability he didn't know he had!"- Elisa Thomas (parent)
"Urban stage has been a fundamental part of my daughter's development over the past few years. Now with the senior group, Izzy started her life at Urban Stage as a junior. The confidence it has given her in her own ability and being able to not only take part, but to want to take part and to learn has been fantastic. It's a place she is applauded for her skills and nurtured - and has a giggle too. With Helen (and the team's) guidance and support I know that my girl is a stronger character for being part of Urban Stage - and she does a mean interpretation of Shere Khan too" - Sarah Knight (parent)